Associated Press - November 6, 2009 3:15 PM ET
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Memphis Mayor A C Wharton has fired the director of the city's animal shelter following revelations of mistreatment that included at least three dogs starving to death.
The Commercial Appeal reports Wharton said he fired Ernest Alexander because shelter employees were unable to follow proper procedures for euthanizing animals and complete basic tasks like paperwork. The announcement came Friday morning, a day after about 100 animal lovers gathered at the shelter for a candlelight vigil.
Alexander was hired in 2008 after a nationwide search for an administrator who could improve conditions at the shelter.
The newspaper reports Alexander also faced allegations of mistreatment of animals at his previous job in Albuquerque, N.M.
The District Attorney's Office has said criminal charges against employees are possible.
Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com
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